Grand Ancestral Bloodlines

Izril's Immortal Ring grew a fold in size, its blossoming petals spreading outward and even releasing a fragrant scent that seemed intent on competing with Ryu's own Ice Jade Crystal Body.

In that instant, Izril's strikes became fiercer and swifter. His light and thin sword seemed to become a reaper's scythe, snaking toward Ryu's most vital points.

Ryu's Pupils constricted further, the winding crimson veins around his eyes bulging.

'[Lines of Fate].'

The world became and endless bundle of strings. However, right in the center, a large mass of blue formed Izril and his Immortal Ring.

Stacking two of his most stamina intensive abilities back to back was most definitely weighing heavily on Ryu. But, he found that the drain on his Focus Qi was much less than it had been in the past. For whatever reason, it seemed like the Prayer Mat was making its presence felt.

Ryu's attacks instantly grew more skilled and measured, the swiftness of Izril's attacks appearing like crawling ants in his eyes.

As Ryu sank deeper and deeper into the dichotomy of Yin and Yang, his attacks seemed to grow more enigmatic. His mind saw several steps ahead, his left blocking the path for strikes yet to come and his right attacking to counter what had.

Ryu took a strong step forward, his gaze expressionless and his momentum growing. His predictions became more accurate and stifling, his every strike leaving Izril unable to display his full might.

Ailsa narrowed her gaze. '[Lines of Fate] is working even better than it should, and it's most definitely not just due to Little Ryu's evolution…'

The radius of effect their battle had continued to explosively grow. Harsh winds, flying bits of earth, turbid swirls of qi all shot in every which direction, forcing their immediate surroundings into a state of emptiness.

The members of Violet Olive found themselves struggling. But, as though Ryu's performance was a beacon, they began to push back.

Within the crowd of individuals, the second Path Extinction Realm expert remained hidden, not knowing that Ryu had long since found him. But at that moment, he was in a dilemma.

He had already thought that it was unnecessary for the both of them to come like this, but had agreed due to the payment provided and the mystery surrounding Izril. Who wouldn't be curious to get to know this man?

As of now, Izril most definitely hadn't disappointed. To think that the leader of the mere seventh ranked Team would actually have such deep cultivation. Usually, only top three teams like his own would have such strength on hand. It made him all the more curious about who this Izril individual was and what his reason for keeping such a low profile was.

Now that he thought about it, Giveon was another mysterious character. But, unlike Izril, he couldn't put his finger on exactly why he was so curious.

'Should I support?'

The man found that Izril was getting pushed back again and again. Even after activating his techniques and combining them with his Immortal Ring, he was getting outclassed. The shocking part was that he was losing not in strength, but in terms of technique.

If he didn't know better, he would think that this Ryu could see the future, leaving Izril at a loss for how to counter.

Just as the man made the decision to go and support Izril so that they could end this farce, Izril sent a quick glance in his direction. Though he didn't say anything, the message was clear. Don't interfere.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Ryu's palms spun his Great Swordstaffs, conveniently sliding his hands down to the very ends of their polearms.

His reach extended, the pressure on his wrists growing heavier and heavier with every strike.

He abused his advantage, his Rage Flames billowing out with rampaging heat.

At the same time, Ryu's Ice Flames became like an impenetrable fortress. Every time Izril cross blades with his left, it felt as though he had sunk into an endless quagmire. His qi froze, his muscles tensed, even his attacks seemed to be instantly coated by a layer of frost, freezing his techniques in their tracks.

Izril had never fought such a perfect combination of offense and defense before. Dual wielders were just too rare, and even those who chose this path were usually weaker with one half in comparison to the other. But, Ryu seemed to have reached a perfect state.

Finally, Ryu could display the true strength of dual wielders. His heart pumped, his blood boiling.

To his back, there was a canopy of blue to one side and an array of red to the other. Where they clashed in the middle, faint hues of gorgeous purple light radiated, almost forming a halo around Ryu.

"It's finished." Ryu said coldly.

He took another strong step forward. His left blade cut a straight path forward, executing a perfect [Pierce].

Izril's pupils constricted. He felt as though he had been cornered on a chess board, his every move leading to checkmate.

However, unlike in a game of chess, Ryu had no need to wait for Izril's turn to expire.

Izril twirled his blade, holding its flat up against his chest.

His still was immaculate. Even with how this his blade was, he was still able to block Ryu's blade of raging blue flames with its spine.

Unfortunately, though, his wrists weren't as powerful nor as flexible as Ryu's. Blocking at such an awkward angle, with his elbow flared upward and his wrist bearing most of the pressure, he instantly heard the sound of a sickening crack the moment the blades drew contact.

Ryu followed up immediately as though he couldn't sense Izril wincing.

A cyclone of crimson flames rose from Ryu's right blade, making the already nearly three meter long weapon feel as though it had doubled in size.

Izril's expression flickered, the pain in his wrist not being enough to make him lose his rationality. He brought his free hand up into a hand sign, causing a surge of qi to swarm toward him.